Lights, Camera, Courage: A Latina actor's journey to finding home

Send us Fan MailWhat does it truly cost to chase your dreams? Alienaya Escudero knows firsthand. Leaving behind the familiarity of Mexico City and an overprotective father, she arrived in America completely alone to pursue acting instead of the more practical path of law school that had been expected of her.The journey hasn't been easy. Every day includes a phone call from her father asking when she'll return home, and each time she feels the heartache of telling him she's found her place in America. Despite the emotional challenges, Alienaya has discovered her voice at Santa Monica College and developed a passion for dramatic roles that authentically represent the Latino community. She's particularly drawn to portraying stories of trauma and resilience, hoping to create meaningful connections with audiences who share similar struggles.Alienaya's story captures the immigrant experience in Hollywood—the isolation, the self-doubt, and the determination required to keep moving forward when success seems impossibly distant. Her powerful message resonates beyond acting: "Never let your light fade, keep fighting, keep believing in yourself and you can never fail." Though she acknowledges the difficulty of making a living in her chosen field, her conviction remains unshaken. "If you have big dreams, you have to have big sacrifices, but at the end of the day it will be worth it." Join us for this moving conversation about courage, cultural identity, and the price of pursuing passion against all odds. Have you ever had to choose between family expectations and personal dreams? We'd love to hear your story.Produced and Directed by: Drew GlickHosted by: Drew GlickCo-Host: Sam AilewiEdited and Arranged by: Drew GlickStudio Intern: Elisa HernandezIntro+Outro created by: Music Radio CreativeAmbient Music Provided by: Envato and Music Radio CreativeDrops and Jingles Created by: Music Radio CreativeCover Art and Episode Graphics Designed by: www.getcovers.comCopyright 2025, 2026 by Iervasi Media Partners